About

The Jazz Standard Discovery Program (JSDP) was created in 1997 by James Polsky, founder of Jazz Standard, to foster connection between NYC schoolchildren and the jazz art form. Each week, the club hosts youth from area schools who participate in fun and interactive jazz workshops as part of their musical education. During these workshops, professional musicians perform, share the history of jazz, explain the different jazz styles and open the floor up to student questions.

In addition to these weekly workshops, the program supports the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra (JYSO), a breeding ground for NYC’s most talented young musicians. Directed by Conductor and Arranger David O’Rourke, the JYSO performs every Sunday afternoon before a live audience of all ages as part of our Jazz for Kids series. In lieu of a cover charge, guests give a $5 donation that benefits the Jazz Standard Discovery Program. Jazz for Kids offers our student musicians the opportunity to play exciting new arrangements of big band classics, and families the opportunity to connect with the music in a lively environment.

To inquire about your school participating in a JSDP workshop, please contact JoAnn Diaferio at joann@discoverjazz.org

The JSDP is hosted by Jazz Standard, 116 East 27th Street, www.jazzstandard.com

Donate

Please help support our ongoing programs through your generous donations!